Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq to Host 8th Edition of the African Movie Festival in Manitoba (AM-FM)

Winnipeg, Manitoba, September 9, 2025: This September, the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq (WAG-Qaumajuq) will host the 8th edition of the African Movie Festival in Manitoba (AM-FM), the province’s premiere film festival dedicated to showcasing the best of African cinema and films from African directors across Canada, the United States, Europe, and beyond. In addition to WAG-Qaumajuq, screenings will also take place at:

• University of Manitoba – September 15
• University of Winnipeg – September 16
• Université de Saint-Boniface – September 17

A major highlight of this year’s festival is the launch of Manitoba Gaze on September 18 featuring a brand-new showcase celebrating the creativity of Manitoba filmmakers of all backgrounds. Over 20 locally produced short films will be featured, including four powerful works created by young Black filmmakers from the AM-FM Film Collective, exploring the theme of black mental health.

“This year’s festival marks an exciting new chapter for AM-FM,” said Dr. Ben Akoh, Founder. “By bringing African stories together with Manitoba voices, we’re building a bridge of cultural exchange and creative discovery that opens the doors for coproductions and collaborations across diverse cultures and geographies. Audiences can expect powerful storytelling, fresh perspectives, and a celebration of film that truly reflects the diversity of our world.”

“WAG-Qaumajuq is very grateful for the partnership with AM-FM and I am thrilled we are bringing this festival to the Winnipeg Art Gallery thanks to our five-year agreement,” said Julia Lafreniere, Head of Indigenous Ways & Partnerships, WAG-Qaumajuq. “There are so many great stories to be told through film and I am pleased that WAG-Qaumajuq gets to play a part in amplifying the voices of African filmmakers. I look forward to participating throughout the festival in September.”

From September 19 to 21, audiences will enjoy more than 20 films — including documentaries, shorts, and narratives directed by African filmmakers, with engaging Q&A sessions following select screenings. The festival will close on September 21 with a Gala Awards Ceremony, honouring outstanding achievements in cinema with awards for the Best Manitoba, Best Canadian, and Best International films.

In Partnership With

African Movie Festival in Manitoba

Associated Links

African Movie Festival in Manitoba
AM-FM x WAG-Qaumajuq

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For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Katryna Barske
Public Relations Officer
Winnipeg Art Gallery
204.789.1295
kbarske@wag.ca

About Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq
The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq is a cultural advocate using art as a catalyst for change. The Gallery features an impressive collection of nearly 30,000 artworks spanning centuries, cultures, and media, including the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world. Each piece has its own story to tell. Sharing these stories with the world is at the core of WAG-Qaumajuq. This is an engaging, accessible space where visitors can experience art and learning in new ways. Principles of equity, care, trust, and responsibility guide the institution towards meaningful impact and transformation. To learn more, visit wag.ca.

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